HOW TO // Shop local this Valentine's Day

It's that time of year again lo-vers - time to shower your significant other with an extra dose of adoration (and preferably a cute + thoughtful gift!)

While there are some amazing online vendors we love, we wanted to bring you, How To Shop Local this Valentines Day. No matter where you're located, and whether you're shopping through a blog collection, a privately-owned website, or a brick + mortar storefront, supporting local business is good for the economy + great for you - we've noticed the smaller locally-owned shops often bring in one-of-a-kind pieces you won't find at a chain or online anywhere, not to mention the phenomenal customer service you are guaranteed to receive. Whether your heart is with a spouse, family-member, or Gal-entine this Valentine's Day, we truly believe shops in your local city have everything you need to make their day special.

Pictured: The Brooke Lariat by Lover's Tempo, available at Fusion Swift Current

To that end, we have rounded up some of our favourite picks from just a few of the amazing local shops we have here in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. If you find something you love, make sure to share this post with your S.O. 'cause the best part..?

THEY'RE ALL UNDER $100!

1. Buck Naked Soap Company :: Himalayan Salt Soap - $7.95

The skin care products at Buck Naked Soap Company are all-natural, vegan, + crafted by hand. They're committed to being chemical-free, using only pure, natural ingredients + have partnered with WE Charity on a collection that helps bring clean water to Kenya. How awesome!

4. Illume :: Laurel Jar Coconut Milk Mango candle - $47

5.Melanie Auld :: 'XO' studs - $65

Aren't these earrings so darling? They're part of the collection designed by Canadian interior designer Jillian Harris + we think they're perfect for your significant other, mother, daughter, or your bestie, these studs will be sure to brighten any day, not just V-day.

Available at Bre's Boutique in Swift Current, just a few doors down from the FDI design studio.

7. AKA :: Druzy Bracelet in Champagne + Blue- $45.99

Each piece of AKA jewelry is hand-crafted by designer Alex Kathlyn in her Nipawin, Saskatchewan design studio, not to mention a portion of proceeds are donated organizations that empower marginalized women.

8. Optical Image :: House Branded Sunnies - $85

It may not feel like it but spring will come to the Prairies + now's the perfect time to get set with a new favorite pair of shades. This pair would make a great gift idea that I bet she'd never guess.

Alright, one more thing... When's the last time the two of you had professional photos taken, just for fun? For me personally, being in front of the camera isn't my favourite thing but I'm so, so grateful to have beautiful photos of life's big moments to cherish. Besides the big things though, I'm realizing more recently how precious those seemingly insignificant little moments are - the ones you fit in between the big stuff... conversations around the dinner table, baking a batch of cookies, or snuggling on the couch in your sweatpants. Excuse me while I'll get a tad mushy but I'm starting to think those moments are the threads, that, when woven together, form a life. Yes, the big things are important, but the little things are too.

Of course there are so many great businesses in Swift Current, we could've gone on forever! We hope you enjoyed our little roundup + that we've been able to show you how you can shop locally this Valentine's Day!